auto locking hubs? How do they work?
 

Hey guys. how do the auto locking hubs work on my 94 f150. My dad claims that they are just always locked in and the axles are always spinning. Is this true or do they actually "lock in"?

i think they are always locked in and the axles are always turning....

don't quote me on this but I believe there is a air vaccuum system

i could be wrong...... but the auto hubs are engaged by the torque creasted from the now operated drive shaft on the front of the t-case when in 4x4 there is something that engages in the front.......

well i had a 95 dodge ram with the auto locking hubs, and my front axles turned at all times no matter what.... i know i know, its a dodge, but still haha if the front axles turn at all times, that means the hubs stay locked in at all times

wow, I'm stupid. so ya, if the wheels are turning, so are the front axles. the engagement is in the t-case

Not true. While I don't know the system on these trucks I do know it varies by 4X4 system. My Jeep Grand Cherokee had auto hubs where the axles were always turning and engagement was taken care of in T-case. however, my mom's 89 wrangler had an air vacuum system to lock the hubs in. Hopefully someone who knows the 4X4 system on these trucks can actually answer your question though....

from what i know the hub gets locked in once the transfer case is engaged and the torq locks it in. i'll look in my haynes tomorrow and see what it says. i've heard bad things about auto hubs because when you go from forward to reverse they actually disengage for a second then reengage. but that was a chevy that did that so don't quote me.:whistling2:

That is exactly how these work, and presents a problem if stuck because it will break the hubs. For a quick easy example think of the pull starter on your lawn mower, same basic design. There is no vacuum, or electrical connection to lock or unlock the hubs. If you remember to reverse the direction of travel you will unlock them and then freewheel without turning the driveline.

If I had to guess, I'd imagine auto locking hubs work by "automatically locking" themselves lol

Sorry, I really don't know